Resources for Bishops | The Church of England

From pre-consecration until the end of their ministry, a Bishop will meet and speak with various teams and individuals across the National Church Institutions. This page summarises the support on offer to Bishops and includes contacts for the relevant teams. More information will be added to this page over time.

Support timeline

Information about the teams in contact with Bishops at the stage of pre-consecration

Information about the teams in contact with Bishops at the stage of post-consecration

Information about the teams in contact with Bishops during their Ministry

Information about the teams in contact with Bishops at the end of their Ministry

An overview of NCI teams

Below is a summary of the role different teams at the NCIs play in supporting a Bishop.

Download the structure chart for the National Church Institutions

Archbishops' Advisors for Appointments and Vocations

The Archbishops' Advisors for Appointments and Vocations team will carry out pre-appointment and DBS checks and medicals when a Bishop is appointed. They also organise the retirement process for clergy.

Contact: [email protected]

Archbishops Council Secretariat

A Bishop will hear from AC at the start of their journey once consecrated and throughout for House of Bishops, General Synod, College of Bishops, and Standing Committees.

Contact: [email protected]

Bishoprics and Cathedrals (Finance)

The team meet with all incoming bishops about how the Ministry Grant Funding works and what they can claim towards removal and resettlement costs. Training sessions for Bishops’ support staff are arranged as needed.

Contact: [email protected]

Bishoprics and Cathedrals (See House)

Property management for Bishops. A significant part of the interface with Diocesan Bishops is at the time of their appointment following the public announcement and as and when property issues need to be dealt with.

Contact: [email protected]

Communications

Bishops are provided with media training and interview techniques. Bishops with more of a lead role will have more active involvement with the Communications team.

Visit the Communications team page for contact details.

Faith & Public Life

This team frequently work with Bishops on areas such Christian ethics in public life, Parliament and Government; advice on public policy matters; ecumenical relations; relationships in the Anglican Communion and interfaith relations.

Contact: [email protected]

Human Resources

HR provide services to Bishops in their corporate capacity including recruitment, ER issues, performance reviews, learning and development and all relevant HR matters.

Contact: [email protected]

Bishops will approach this team or HR to discuss a case (e.g., long term sickness, pastoral breakdown, performance issues) and they provide information and advice.

Contact: [email protected]

National HR Resources page

Office of the Archbishops - Lambeth Palace

The Bishop to the Archbishops’ team oversee many aspects of bishops’ ministries as they relate to the Archbishops including Ministerial Development Reviews (MDRs), pastoral care and retirements. Annual calls and regional meetings are arranged.

Legal Office

The Legal Office support the Bishoprics and Cathedral Committee and the development of policy and guidance. They provide support for legal costs and property legal services in connection with Seehouses. Contact is case-by-case dependent.

Contact: [email protected]

Ministry Development

The team manage senior leadership development and learning (SLDP), and Ministerial Development Reviews (MDRs) and organise inductions for Bishops. The team communicate frequently with Bishops about MDRs and learning programmes and events.

Bishops will approach this team or HR to discuss a case (e.g., long term sickness, pastoral breakdown, performance issues) and for information and advice.

Visit the Senior Leadership Learning and Development page.

Safeguarding

As safeguarding leads in their Diocese, Safeguarding do an induction with bishops as soon as they are appointed and liaise with Bishops or their staff when necessary.